A study from Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy reveals that eating pistachios daily may significantly benefit eye health by boosting macular pigment optical density (MPOD), an indicator of eye protection. The study, which involved healthy middle-aged and older adults, found that consuming 2 ounces of pistachios daily for 12 weeks led to a marked increase in MPOD, linked to a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness.
Pistachios contain lutein, a plant pigment known for filtering blue light and acting as an antioxidant. After just six weeks, participants who ate pistachios experienced higher blood levels of lutein, with levels sustained throughout the study. Dr. Tammy Scott, lead author, and clinical neuropsychologist, highlights that incorporating pistachios into one’s diet is a simple way to increase lutein intake and potentially protect against AMD.
Given that Americans rank vision loss as a top health concern, these findings suggest a practical dietary strategy for maintaining eye health as people age.
Source: News-Medical Life Sciences
